CIDB and IRDA form partnership to accelerate productivity and sustainability in construction works

The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and the Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia (CIDB) entered a strategic partnership on 27 February 2018 to enhance the modernisation of construction works and processes, environmentally sustainable practices and compliance to material standards in construction.

“The partnership that CIDB is entering today with IRDA to accelerate productivity and sustainability in construction is a significant one, especially as rapid development is expected in the region, catalysed by large projects. IRDA’s commitment to construction transformation sets a prime example for other regions in Malaysia to emulate,” said Dato’ Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri bin Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia.

Through this strategic partnership, IRDA commits to improve the adoption of IBS, BIM and sustainable practices, as well as to ensure compliance to material standards in its projects. CIDB, on the other hand, will complement IRDA’s efforts by providing the necessary information and resources for effective implementation of the modern construction technologies and practices.

The collaboration efforts between the two agencies are in line with the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) 2016 – 2020, a comprehensive plan to transform the construction industry into a modern, highly productive and sustainable sector. The partnership is also supports the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS), whereby various agencies and organisations work together to leverage on each other’s strengths and resources in order to achieve common objectives.

Notably, enhancing the adoption of IBS and BIM is aligned with the Productivity strategic thrust of the CITP, which aims to more than double the productivity levels of the Malaysian construction industry. Other areas of the partnership are also aligned with the Environmental Sustainability and Internationalisation strategic thrusts of the CITP, as compliance to construction material standards will uplift the local construction industry to be on par with developed economies in the global market place.

The CITP strategic thrusts are aligned with IRDA’s Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for the Iskandar Region puts environmental sustainability as a guiding principle. The CDP adopts elements from the Circle of Sustainability, which is a holistic and resilient ecosystem anchored by core elements including resource optimisation and low carbon outputs.

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of IRDA said IRDA’s focus is to create a more sustainable built environment in line with its vision for Iskandar Malaysia to become a strong, sustainable metropolis of international standing by 2025.

“The aim is to achieve 70% certified green buildings for new buildings by then. One of the initiatives to ensure green buildings is Iskandar Malaysia Green Accord Initiative Award (GAIA) that honours outstanding businesses in Iskandar Malaysia who have contributed towards the adoption of sustainable design, planning, retrofitting, and operation to the built environment.

“With this initiative we aim to promote greater awareness and encourage organisations operating in Iskandar Malaysia to be green in their operations and bring positive impact to their surrounding environment,” said Datuk Ismail.

Dato’ Ir Ahmad Asri and Datuk Ismail had earlier accompanied the Minister to visit the Forest City and Sunway Iskandar, Daiwa House – Sakura Residences to look at the implementation of Industrialised Building System (IBS) in these projects.